Cash was a two-way starter at Collinsville High School and an All-County player in 1942 and 1943, before he left home to join the Navy. He went on to Jacksonville State where he was a four-year starter as offensive and defensive guard. The 1947 squad at Jacksonville finished the season with a 9-0 record and led the nation in scoring and rushing defense. They defeated mighty Florida State that year and won the Paper Bowl the following two years, defeating Troy State and Livingston State respectively. In addition to being chosen All-Conference and All-Intercollegiate player, Cash was selected one of the top 100 athletes in school history during Jacksonville State’s 100th year celebration.
